Lenibug

Hi I came here looking for some input on vitamin supplements (which I found .. thank you!), but have found myself intrigued by everyones thoughts, success stories, questions, etc... so I decided to join. I hope any input I can give will be helpful to someone out there! I had my VSG in May 2010 - at 21 years old. I am 5'1", was 260 at my highest and ~245 on the day of surgery. Surgery went well, I had a 2 day hospital stay, recovered nicely, etc. After a couple weeks of healing (I dont remember intial/first couple weeks weight loss), I started exercising .. gradually increasing until I was working out 5-6 days a week, 2-3 hours a day. I lost about 90 lbs in the first ~8 months, hit a plateau for a month or so.. then started losing more slowly. By about 14 months out, I had lost about 135-140 lbs. I maintained for 2 years until I got pregnant with my daughter. I was SO scared about being pregnant with the sleeve - but my doctors assured me it would be fine. I gained 18 lbs during my pregnancy - she weight just over 6 lbs. After having her, I lost all the weight plus ~5-10 lbs within 3-4 months. Now, 4 years later - I've maintained at 115 (+/- 3-4 lbs depending on time of month, what I ate that day, etc). The only long term effects so far have been new onset GERD - which just started early last year (6.5 years out) and low iron (no iron supplements work for me - not pills, liquid, sublingual, etc ... iron infusions have been my friend). The only thing I am unsure about and something I can't find a lot of research on is the long term (15+ years) effects that VSG has on our bones. I get achy - like deep in my bones, and I'm unsure if it's related ...but being that I'm only 29, I wonder if its due to lack of calcium absorption (as my blood levels are great ..but your body will suck it from your bones if youre not getting enough). Life is pretty normal. Having WLS is such a huge life event/life change - but it DOES eventually become so "normal" to YOU that you may rarely even think about it anymore. Small portions, very little sugar, iron infusions - they're all just part of my life now. You'll get to a point - you will no longer fret about eating out, about what if I have this small sip of diet soda, what if I eat two bites of cake, etc. You will learn your limits, test your sleeve, and be able to live a happy life if you have the right attitude. Just listen to your body (dont ignore the symptoms of pushing it too far - dumping, puking, feeling draggy and miserable - the pressure after eating too much, etc). Good luck to everyone! Below pics - 1st pic- between 115-120lbs 2nd pic- at my heaviest - 260 lbs 3rd pic - a few months after surgery - right about 170 lbs

Thank you ! You CAN do it!! I had both my gall bladder and appendix removed at the time of surgery, as my surgeon felt it would reduce the risk of issues later. I'm not sure if that's abnormal ? I'm grateful though. Good luck!

I'm actually new here - I came looking for information about some vitamin supplements, but I'm glad I found this ! I had VSG ... the only long term side effects so far have been new onset GERD (just started within the last year and a half or so) and anemia (tried every kind of iron supp. - eventually came to the conclusion i just need annual iron infusions). The anemia may not be related, but my hematologist does blame the sleeve for it. My only concern the older I get is whether I'm getting enough calcium (and whether I'll end up with osteoporosis). I can't find a lot of studies on that. I would love if anyone had information on the % of people who have long term bone issues after VSG. Life feels absolutely 'normal' .. though I'm not sure if that's just because it has become the new normal for me over the years. I can eat fairly normally (much smaller portions than most people of course), though there are still bad days. Every now and then, I'll feel sick or even throw up after just a bite or two of something that I can normally eat fine. It happens rarely enough that I don't feel like it hinders my daily life. There are certain foods that I absolutely don't handle (eggs, for instance ..unless cooked into something.. so sad about that one), but I know that and stay away. Biggest change since surgery has been my sugar intake - more than a couple tiny bites of something even now (ice cream, candy, jelly/jam, cookies, etc) makes me feel absolutely awful. I can still go out to eat - I just order a side/app or bring leftovers home. I don't completely stay away from carbonation like I've seen many people talk about .. but it hasn't prevented success and it doesn't make me feel bloated, gassy, etc. Calorie counting has long since gone out the window - how much and what you eat everyday to maintain becomes a habit - you'll know if what youre putting into your body is going to mean you have to exercise a little more or choose better at your next meal. The last thing - never a day since my surgery have I regretted this decision. It was the catalyst we all hope it will be - the push needed to get off my butt and start living and being healthy. Once I started exercising, eating better, seeing the weight drop off - I started noticing a significant change in my mental and emotional health. Not only did I become physically healthier - my mind starting keeping pace. It is so true that when you start loving yourself, you can really start loving and appreciating everything else in life! (BTW - not that I didnt love myself prior to my weight loss--we should ALL love ourselves anyway .. we are beautiful regardless of our weight, but its a different feeling that blooms when you start feeling accomplished, confident, and proud of yourself). Please dont hesitate to ask more questions! I hope this made sense -I kind of rushed through it before having to go to work.

I hope it went well today!

I hope it went well today!

Awesome job....congrats! I have found that most people wont notice the eating thing if you just take a tiny bite here and there. I think youll have great success with such a positive attitude. Good luck!

Its strange to me that the no carbonation rule is pushed so hard. I couldnt tolerate them at all for a long time, but after trying a diet soda maybe a year and a half out, it didnt hurt or make me super bloated (drink slow and not while eating of course). I drink carbonation sometimes now with no issues (8 yrs out) - and has not hurt my success at all. That being said, I know everyone is different! I think after enough healing time, its okay to "test" your sleeve out to find out what works for you. I think (generally) your body will tell you what is and isnt okay...as long as you listen to it lol.

Yes..definitely possible with determination!!! I am 5'1 and was 245 at surgery. That was 8 yrs ago and have kept a steady weight at 115. It didnt come easy ...I exercised 5 days a week for several hours a day for the first year (after healing of course)...and of course youre going to hit plateaus and think youre failing, but dont give up. it CAN be done- good luck!!

You look fantastic!! I would assume they dont want to offend. Its definitely noticeable though ...dont be discouraged!

I am 5'1 and weighed 245 on surgery date. i lost 90 lbs in about 6 months or so ... then another 40 by about a year -14 months out. I dont know if it took longer than most, but I was okay with the progress. Im 8 years out and have kept it off (now at 115) - maybe losing a little slower isnt a bad thing! Good luck to everyone!